‘The Voice’ Contestants Paid Less Than You Think — Coaches Earn Up to $25M Per Season

NBC’s The Voice is currently airing its 28th season, featuring coaches Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg. While the show offers massive exposure for aspiring artists, questions persist about the financial compensation for both contestants and coaches. According to recent reports, contestants receive a living stipend, while coaches command multimillion-dollar salaries.

‘The Voice’ contestants and coaches are compensated differently during the show’s 28th season, airing in Fall 2025 on NBC. Contestants who advance past the Blind Auditions receive a living stipend covering basic expenses, while coaches earn salaries ranging from $8 million to $25 million per season, depending on their celebrity status. The compensation structure reflects the show’s focus on exposure and mentorship rather than direct contestant earnings.

Contestant and Coach Pay Breakdown

• Contestants:
  • Receive a living stipend for room, board, food, and travel
  • No weekly paychecks or performance fees
  • Winner receives $100,000 and a recording contract
• Coaches:
  • Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg: Estimated $13 million per season
  • Niall Horan: Reportedly $8 million per season
  • Ariana Grande: Highest-paid coach to date, earning $20–$25 million
  • Adam Levine, John Legend, Blake Shelton: Typically earned $13–$14 million
  • Christina Aguilera: Estimated $17 million per season

Quotes and Reactions

Newsweek reported:

“Contestants who make it past the Blind Auditions are paid, but not in the form of weekly paychecks.”

StyleCaster added:

“The Voice salaries vary widely, with top-tier coaches earning over $20 million per season.”

Fans have expressed mixed reactions online, with some surprised by the low contestant compensation and others praising the show’s ability to launch careers.

Career Opportunities and Industry Norms

While The Voice contestants don’t earn substantial income during the show, the platform often leads to record deals and long-term success. Notable examples include:

• Morgan Wallen: Eliminated early, later signed with Big Loud
• Loren Allred: Released “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman
• Nicolle Galyon: Became a successful songwriter for country stars

Compared to American Idol, where Top 24 contestants earn performance fees through AFTRA, The Voice focuses more on exposure and mentorship.

What’s Next: Season 28 Developments

As Season 28 progresses, viewers can expect more standout performances and behind-the-scenes insights. The finale is scheduled for December 2025, where one contestant will win the $100,000 prize and a recording contract.

Coach lineup for Season 29 has not been confirmed, but speculation suggests potential returns for past favorites like Kelly Clarkson or Gwen Stefani.